“I hope the Fulham game will be more entertaining. I get frustrated when the games aren’t entertaining. We will go there with a positive attitude about ourselves, looking to get a ­result by scoring goals and playing exciting football as always.”

Saints needed a late equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw at home to ­Fulham in October, despite leading for most of the match.

Keeper Kelvin Davis wants to avenge that result.

He said: “I love playing at Craven Cottage. It is a traditional place to play, especially on occasions like Boxing Day. We should have got a better result than the 2-2.

“We were disappointed and will be looking to improve on that.”

Saints are only out of the bottom three on goal difference and veteran Davis admits they have found the step up from the Championship a steep learning curve.

Davis, 36, who played his 600th league game against Sunderland, said: “Give the other side half a chance and a goal goes in. It’s a harsh league.

“But after those first four games we wouldn’t have thought we’d be above anyone on goal difference, so we’re in a better place.”

Adkins said he would sacrifice roast turkey and mulled wine for three points at Craven Cottage.

He added: “The players are all professional and know we have a job to do for ourselves and our fans.”

Captain Adam Lallana will again be absent with a knee injury, while £6m Jay Rodriguez is set to replace striker Emmanuel Mayuka.